Tag Archive | peru

There are currently 981 World Heritage Sites worldwide. To be considered one it has to have ‘outstanding universal value’ and falls into the following sites: cultural, natural and mixed. A World Heritage Site could range from being a building, a mountain, a lake to a desert, monument, forest and even a city. Here are just a few of the most iconic World Heritage Sites of them all and the best places to stay so you are right in the thick of the action!

The Great Wall, China

An amazing feat dating back to the 5th century and spanning many centuries to build, The Great Wall is 13,170 miles long, making it the longest structure in the world. Initially built as a defense against enemies, the Great Wall of China stands today as a major tourist attraction for visitors worldwide. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Where to stay?

Fairmont Beijing, an award-winning hotel located in the thriving business district.

Vatican City, Italy

A city within a city, Vatican City is a state in Rome with a population of around 840. With an area of just 110 acres, Vatican City was established as an independent state in 1929. Ruled by the Pope, the city features cultural sites such as the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.

One of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, Easter Island has an air of mystery and intrigue surrounding it. There are 887 monumental statues on the island named Moai and its existent has never been fully explained. Moai were carved out by the Rapa Nui people between 1250 and 1500, with the tallest standing at an impressive 10 meters and weighing 82 tons!

Over 18 miles wide and stretching over 277 miles, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s natural wonders. From helicopter rides, scenic drives or hikes across the canyon, the landscape of the Grand Canyon ranges from different textures and colours.

Machu Picchu is the ruins of what was once home to the powerful Inca Empire. The cultural site was bought to the attention to the world by explorer Hiram Bingham and is widely known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Shrouded in mystery, Machu Picchu is Peru’s most visited attractions. Set high up in the mountains, visitors can reach the site on a rewarding Inca Trail through tunnels, jungle and cloud forest along the way.

Venice is the city on water built upon 118 tiny islands and unlike any other city in the world. The canals of Venice run throughout the city and locals and visitors alike can travel via the many foot bridges and boat canals.

Built as an everlasting symbol of love, the Taj Mahal was built using white marble and stands as a mausoleum to Emperor Shah Jahan’s third and favourite wife. It took 16 years to finish and the surrounding garden an additional 5 years later. The architecture of the Taj Mahal has been inspired by a collective mix of Indian, Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Ottoman influences. The outcome of the Taj Mahal is a perfectly symmetrical piece of architecture except in one instance, which is where the emperor’s tomb is.

Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur, Egypt

Instantly recognisable anywhere in the world, the Pyramids along with the Great Sphinx of Giza and other monuments have stood the test of time. Built around 2584BC, the Pyramids of Giza have remained mostly intact, in particular the Great Pyramid, the largest of the three.

A whole world of its own, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Spanning 900 islands over 1,400 miles, the Great Barrier Reef can even be seen from outer space! There is diverse marine life ranging from various species of whales, dolphins, turtles to 1,500 types of fish, crocodiles, sharks, stingrays and much more.

Where to stay?

Bedarra, a secluded tropical haven in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Colosseum and Roman Forum, Italy

Dating back over 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum signifies one of the Roman’s architectural achievements. Set in Rome, The Colosseum and the Roman Forum represent two pivotal symbols of Roman existence. The Colosseum was the place for entertaining the masses and also shows the structural strengths of Roman architecture. The Roman Forum is another significant building and was the centre of Roman life, a place for meetings, celebrations, public trials and matches.

20. Lantern Festival, Taiwan

Here’s a photo you’ve likely seen doing the endless rounds on social media – and it’s little wonder due to the spectacular nature of the photograph, which encapsulates the spirit and wonder of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan.

19. Great Wall of China

Unless you’ve been living under a rock since you were born, you would have a preconceived notion of what these series of fortifications made out of stone, brick, wood and other materials look like. Sure, it’s not your usual ‘see it in your 20s’ destination, but at some point you’ve gotta wear thin of partying til the sun rises, so go on – get cultured…

18. Santorini, Greece

Here’s one of the most over-photographed little seaside towns the world has to offer. Regardless of how many times snaps like this have made it to instagram, this would still have to be one of the ‘must see’ travel destinations for 20-somethings.

17. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, USA

If you think it’s beautiful in the heat of summer, then try visiting Yosemite in a thick layer of snow in winter – words just can’t describe.

16. Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan

Here’s one you probably haven’t heard of and neither had I when writing this article, so you should probably do a quick copy+paste and check it out if you’re looking for something seriously off the beaten path…

15. XS Nightclub, Las Vegas

Okay so it wouldn’t be a list for 20-somethings if it didn’t include Vegas – and what better inclusion than that of Vegas’ arguably most happening club – XS. The only problem is getting in…. be prepared for guest lists, long lines, and crowds to leave even VIPs feeling smothered.

14. Havana, Cuba

Now here’s an unsung hero lying quietly and waiting for the world to discover her. Havana is indeed a time warp and the central hub of Cuba. It’s progressively gaining popularity for travelers seeking adventure beyond the confines of a contiki bus tour, so be sure to get in before it’s too late.

13. Petra, Jordan

For a reason that is beyond me, Jordan remains one of the less celebrated destinations to visit for travelers seeking out-of-this-world experiences and unbeatable history/culture. The photo speaks for itself…

12. New York City, New York, USA

It’s an oldie but a goodie – New York, New York. You should definitely try to make it here in your 20s and soak up the underground bars and clubs, bustling streets above ground, and the peaceful oasis that is central park. It’s a concrete jungle, sure… but it’s where dreams are made of – right Jay Z?

11. Lapland, Finland

If you haven’t seen photos of the northern lights – one of the world’s most astounding natural beauties – then be sure to throw the term ‘Lapland Finland northern lights’ into Google. Lapland is a great place to base yourself for some serious star-gazing in the winter months. Expect to be sitting in permanent darkness without a clue as to the time, but its an unrivaled experience you won’t get elsewhere.

10. Death Valley, USA

Okay, so there’s not much there….. and people that have been will probably tell you not to go (probably being the key word here). But it’s a great place to visit if you’re doing the Coast to Coast road trip or on your way through to Vegas for Los Angeles.

9. Mount Fitz Roy, on the border of Chile and Argentina

This one’s much more of a challenge and probably one to keep on the dreamlist rather than the bucketlist – but nonetheless, we have one of the world’s hardest climbs situated on the border between Chile and Argentina…. The photo certainly does it justice.

8. Bodø, Norway

Scandinavian countries are sometime viewed as a distant dream to 20-somethings visiting Europe. But if you’re looking for something slightly (as in a lot) more fulfilling than the usual booze cruise bus that darts its way from one central European country to the next, then check out the likes of Norway, Sweden, and even Denmark. These countries are culturally rich, and a complete different experience to anywhere else in Europe. Here we have a quaint seaside town in Norway named ‘Bodo’…

7. Carnival, Rio di Janeiro, Brazil

South America isn’t quite as popular among 20-somethings as the likes of Europe or the USA – but there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be! So if you’re going to go, why not go all out!!!!

6. Drake Passage, Antarctica

Probably not what you had in mind for a trip in your twenties, but if you ever got the chance, you would surely take it. Antarctica is probably the only place on this earth that you can guarantee won’t have a McDonald’s by 2020. So go on, look into it.

5. The Inca Trail, Peru

Another highly celebrated image on social media is the Inca Trail in Peru. For active travelers this is the perfect opening into altitude treks and is a great bucketlist destination to hit up in your 20′s.

4. Salt Flats, Bolivia

The picture just says it all…..

3. The Rhino Charge, Nairobi, Kenya

An African safari is probably the highest ‘must do in my 20s’ on my list. I’ve still got a few years left yet so I’m sure I’ll get there one day – but if you ask me, the sooner the better!

2. Disneyworld, Orlando, Florida

You’re probably thinking ‘uh…what?’, but let’s think about this for a moment – it’s better late than never, and if you ask me, growing up is overrated anyway. This is one of my MUST SEE destinations before I climb my way into the 30′s, and it should surely be on your list too.

1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Finally, a hidden gem in central Europe – Cesky Krumlov. It’s just a short 2 hour bus ride into southern Bohemia from Prague, and would have to be one of my favorite finds in Europe. If you can help it, try to visit during the summer for rafting down the vlatva river with various camping spots along the way.

Article written by Wonderful World of Wanderlust.. Thanks Guy!!

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